THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST

Preface: God is keepingHis glorious promise to His children

"Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder." (Isaiah 29: 13-14)

The New Testament teaches that Jesus established the basic doctrine of “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” He also said there shall be “one fold and One Shepherd.”

But according to the World Christian Encyclopedia, Christianity's 2.2 billion followers are now fragmented into 18 major denominations plus thousands of other independent churches, totaling some 33,000 different groups throughout the world—all disagreeing with each other on sundry points of doctrine, all competing with each other, and some even criticizing and demeaning their fellow Christians.To add to the splintering effect, dozens of differing versions of the Bible are in use.

Take baptism for example: The New Testament says baptism is absolutely essential for one's salvation (John 3:5, Acts 2:38). Jesus showed precisely how it was to be done by being immersed in water (Matt 3:16, Mark 1:10, Rom 6:4). However, many churches baptize by pouring or sprinkling. Some do not baptize at all.

Another example—even though the Bible repeatedly talks of the physical attributes of God (Gen 1: 27, Ex 33:11, 2 Cor 4:4), many churches claim God is a only spirit. Isn’t it obvious that something is very much amiss in the Christian world?

Jesus was baptized by immersion by John the Baptist in the River Jordan (Matt 3:13-17)

Painting depicting John the Baptist baptizing Jesus by pouring water on his head

Most people will seek a second medical opinion when they suddenly come face to face with a very serious illness. Prudent investors will carefully research a promising financial investment, insisting upon full disclosure before they put their assets at risk. Millions of us protect ourselves and our loved ones from the unknown future with health and life insurance.

Here's the point: Using the same reasoning, shouldn’t we be just as diligent in getting all the facts when it comes to insuring where and with whom we will spend eternity? The Lord said, “Strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Matt. 7:14)." That scripture makes it pretty clear that there is only one path to heaven, and you have to work hard to find it. End of point.

HOW TO TELL WHAT IS TRUE DOCTRINE AND WHAT IS NOT

Like many people, you may be a bit confused because of all the differing opinions about the way to Heaven that abound. Finding the way starts with reading the holy scriptures, especially about the life of Christ and His mission to redeem all mankind from sin and death. Then you pray sincerely about what you have read, asking God if it is true.

The sacred principle involved goes like this:

"When you read these things (the Holy Scriptures), ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if you ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost you may know the truth of all things."

When the Holy Ghost bears witness of the truth to an individual, it is accompanied by a feeling very similar to what one might experience listening to a great symphony or choir. They feel an excitement, a swelling in the breast, a sudden shortness of breath. He or she might even tear up a bit.

FIND OUT IF YOU ARE YOU ONE OF HIS LOST SHEEP.

Jesus said: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." Are you one of his lost sheep? Try this: As you read the following articles, also pray to know if what you are reading is true. If you experience nothing special while reading, don't be disappointed. The Holy Spirit works in different ways with different people and the feeling may not come about for days or weeks. If you test the promise given above with an open mind, a whole new world of truth will be added to your understanding, regardless of your present beliefs or circumstances.